City Vault: The Keegan era begins in winning style
· Yahoo Sports
On this day 25 years ago, Kevin Keegan took charge of his first competitive game for Manchester City.
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Keegan was in the Maine Road dugout for a clash with Watford, managed by another new boss in Gianluca Vialli.
The Blues had been relegated the previous season under Joe Royle, following a double promotion back to what was then known as the Premiership.
Royle, a hero from his playing days and a superb boss during his time at the club, paid with his job and Keegan came in amidst much fanfare.
PRE-MATCH
“Clearly the key event of the close season has been the change of manager and the arrival of Kevin Keegan. When we approached Kevin, his first reaction was ‘City are the only club I would be interested in joining’. We were, of course, delighted to hear this. He explained that his views were based on the stature of the club, our unique fanbase, the potential of the new stadium and our reputation for now being a well structured and organised club. He believed all these factors would give him the opportunity of taking Manchester City back to the highest level” – Chairman David Bernstein, Matchday Programme v Watford
“Promotion is the priority at Maine Road. Within one hour of meeting with the manager Kevin Keegan, I said ‘This is my next club’. I can’t really express how much I am looking forward to the challenge of helping City claim back their place in the Premiership. I just hope that I get a good reception when I run out at Maine Road for the first time in a blue shirt and that the fans don’t hold it against me that I was part of the West Ham side that knocked City out of the FA Cup a few seasons ago” – New signing Eyal Berkovic, Matchday Programme v Watford
“I have had a lot of connections with the manager over the years and the prospect of working with him again was too great to miss. When Kevin rang to ask me if I would like to join City, primarily as a player but also as a coach as well, it was an exciting opportunity. I’ve always looked after myself and I always have great enthusiasm and hunger to play. I always say judge me at the end of the season and not the start – although I’m hoping to be in there from the kick-off” – New signing Stuart Pearce, Matchday Programme v Watford
REPORT
Prophetic words from newbie Stuart Pearce there.
He was in there from the start – playing 90 minutes in a 3-0 triumph over Watford – and bagging a brilliant free-kick third in the closing minutes.
Shaun Goater opened the scoring just before the hour mark after a first half in which the Blues had chances but didn’t take them.
Newbie Berkovic doubled our advantage five minutes later before Pearce’s humdinger of a free-kick three minutes from time.
And as for Pearce’s demand about judging him and the team at the end of the season – again, wise words, with the Blues going on to romp the First Division by 10 clear points from West Brom.
The 108 goals scored is still a record in England’s top four divisions.
POST-MATCH
“It wasn’t about Keegan or Vialli, although I know why the papers built it up. We were both fairly good players - but when the referee blew his whistle there was nothing we could do, except hope we had prepared our sides right. It was a tremendous performance. We didn’t get our rewards in the first half - but the lads kept their heads down and the football we played was breathtaking. But I think we can play better” – Kevin Keegan, BBC Sport
“Manchester City did very well. It was difficult for us to control the game. We did it for a good 20 minutes and then in the second half we started well - but it was too little. If we want to be the best we’ve got to play like that for 90 minutes. It’s disappointing but we know we are not at our best yet. We can only get better - we know what we’ve got to work on. We’ve got to be positive; it’s only the start of the season and we’ve got to keep working” – Gianluca Vialli, BBC Sport
TEAMS
Man City: Nash, Wiekens, Howey, Pearce, Charvet, Granville, Tiatto, Dunne, Berkovic (Whitley, 77), Goater (Dickov, 90), Wanchope (Huckerby, 90). Subs: Murphy, Colosimo.
Watford: Baardsen, Blondeau, Robinson, Vega, Galli, Nielsen, Hyde (Ward, 75), Vernazza, Hughes (Helguson, 66), Gayle, Smith (Fisken, 84). Subs: Chamberlain, Foley.Referee: Mike Riley